[quarok]

yes, we need understanding - the best way to get things into memory is to make connections between neurons through understanding. And this keeps it in memory for longer than if you just memorise it — and it will enable you to deploy the information in new contexts.

My takeaway from this article is that if you only focus on understanding (and so do not commit it to memory), you cannot reason using this information in unfamiliar contexts later on, once you've forgotten it.

So the best thing to do is to: 1. Make sure you understand something thoroughly 2. Test yourself on it using spaced repetition to ensure you keep it forever

For transparency: I'm one of the cofounders of Save All (linked site) alongside Petros the author